The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” Beats Established Competitors in Blind Tasting; Rated Best Irish Whiskey Blend

April 10, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Busker, a “new-to-world” Irish Whiskey, is proud to announce that it was named the top Irish Whiskey Blend in a blind, independent tasting of industry experts. The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” was blind-tasted against four leading Irish whiskeys in similar price points, including Proper Twelve, Jameson, Bushmills and Tullamore D.E.W. The panel consisted of five renowned industry experts, including Andy Seymour, Julie Reiner, Anu Apte, Sean Kenyon and Jackie Summers. The panel judged each spirit on appearance, nose, aroma and finish. Awarded the highest aggregate score, The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” was recognized as a standout among the judges for its distinctive taste in a world of similar-tasting Irish whiskeys.

“The Busker is unique, unlike any other of the whiskies we tasted,” said Andy Seymour, owner of Liquid Productions and partner in BAR. “All the others were going in the same direction, and this stood out right away. The Busker has a bolder and richer taste that we all immediately picked up on.”

“The Busker is an apple among oranges,” said New York-based Julie Reiner, known for her award-winning beverage programs at Clover Club and Leyenda. “This is a whiskey that bartenders will embrace because it will perform excellently in craft cocktails.” The panel noted that the bold flavors of The Busker make it suitable for sipping as well as for cocktails that might overwhelm less distinctive Irish whiskeys.

The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” combines the Busker Single Grain with a high percentage of The Busker’s Single Malt and Single Pot whiskeys. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new definition of richness and smoothness to the Irish whiskey landscape. The flavor profile of The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” blend is ideal for multiple consumption occasions, from sipping neat or on the rocks to classic cocktails that don’t typically use Irish whiskey, like Manhattans, Sours, tiki drinks, Old-Fashioneds or even the Vieux-Carre. These are cocktails that craft bartenders embrace and cocktails that are trending at-home with consumers.

“Our team at The Royal Oak Distillery set out to make an Irish whiskey that would appeal not only to Irish whiskey drinkers, but also to bourbon lovers,” said Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President of Brand & Trade Marketing for Disaronno International in the U.S. “We’re able to achieve a fuller, rounder whiskey with a higher malt content in the recipe, and triple cask finishing in Bourbon, Sherry and Marsala casks. Ultimately, we want to provide a journey into Irish whiskey at an affordable price point. Based on the tremendous feedback from our esteemed judging panel, quite frankly we believe The Busker has the potential to become the preferred Irish whiskey in the United States.”

Jackie Summers, creator of Sorel Liqueur and named Drinks International’s “100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures” (2020) and Imbibe 75 (2021), noted that “The Busker was the outlier, and the only bottle I would drink and buy again.” Denver-based Sean Kenyon, the person behind award-winning bars Williams & Graham, Occidental and American Bonded and recognized as Tales of the Cocktail’s American Bartender of the Year (2014), agreed, calling The Busker blend “a real stand out, something interesting in the Irish whiskey world where the others go in the same direction.” Anu Apte, behind a number of award-winning Seattle bars including Rob Roy, No Anchor, Navy Strength, Vinnie’s Wine Shop and The Bar Bazaar enjoyed The Busker’s round, soft and integrated notes. “The Busker brings an exciting and very different new distillate to market,” she said.

The blind tasting recognition follows The Busker “Triple Cask Triple Smooth” receiving a “Best Buy” rating and 94 points in the April 2021 issue of Wine Enthusiast. This impressive ranking outclassed the other major whiskey brands, and was the highest-rated Irish whiskey when measured against similar priced competitors.

About The Busker
The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery, in County Carlow, Ireland, located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. It is the only distillery in Ireland which offers all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt, & Single Pot Still, which make The Busker Single Collection. The Busker portfolio also includes The Busker Blend which is a beautiful blend of The Single Collection. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks and Marsala casks. Most recently, The Busker took home multiple top accolades at the 2020 LA Spirits Awards: The Busker Single Malt was awarded the 2020 Platinum Medal and Best Irish Whiskey, while the Single Pot Still and Blend were awarded the Gold Medal.

For more information, visit http://www.thebusker.com and join the conversation at @thebusker_official

Cheers to a collection of new cocktails at CASBAR Lounge at SAHARA Las Vegas

March 15, 2021 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – Those who have been looking to shake things up with their cocktail game need to look no further than CASBAR Lounge at SAHARA Las Vegas, which recently unveiled a new cocktail menu from the resort’s award-winning beverage team.

Let your tastebuds go on an adventure with the Aromatic AV8, featuring Empress 1908 Gin, Crème de Violette, lavender syrup, lemon juice and egg white. Get exotic with The Brazilian Mula, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Giffard Caribbean Pineapple Liqueur, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime juice and Q Ginger Beer. Stay up all night with a Spicy Espresso Martini, combining Remy 1738, vanilla spice and Ancho Reyes with espresso. Turn into a super taster with an Electric Feels, charged with Grey Goose Vodka, white cranberry, vanilla spice, lemon juice and sparkling wine, rimmed with tongue-tingling Electricdust, a revolutionary new flavor and sensation-enhancing dust powered by the Buzz Button flower that allows you to taste different nuances and flavors. Refresh yourself with the Blueberry Lemonade Mai Tai, which combines Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum with Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and Orgeat Syrup. Kick things up a notch with the Mojave Margarita, featuring Espolòn Reposado Tequila, Giffard Apricot, prickly pear puree, lime juice and agave syrup, smoked with mesquite. The Cadillac Penicillin is sure to cure any case of the blues, with Glenmorangie 10 Year Scotch, honey-ginger and lemon juice, topped with Ardbeg 10 Year Scotch. Try a new take on a classic drink with the Overseas Old Fashioned, crafted with Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey, Disaronno Amaretto, chamomile tea syrup and orange bitters. Or envision yourself overseas with the Mediterranean Martini, a combination of Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka, Lillet Rose, blood orange syrup, lemon zest and Q Grapefruit Soda. All cocktails are available for $15 each.

Guests can also enjoy non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails for $13 each, including a Raspberry Mojito with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, RIPE Mojito Juice, fresh raspberries, soda and mint; an Espresso Martini, featuring Lyre’s Coffee Originale, Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, fresh espresso and vanilla syrup; a Piña Colada, made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, coconut water, pineapple puree and mint; a Clover Club, featuring Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white; or an Old Fashioned, with Lyre’s American Malt, Tippleman’s Smoked Barrel-Aged Syrup and Angostura Bitters.

Or, with the build-you-own highball menu, create a drink that is uniquely you by selecting your own vodka, bitters and soda for $14 each. A selection of reds, whites and bubbles, draft and bottled beer, snacks and cigars are also available at the stylish, 24-hour lounge.

Since welcoming back resort guests, SAHARA Las Vegas has followed a comprehensive outline of health and safety protocols under the resort’s SAHARA Cares program. Under this program, a number of contactless solutions were developed to assist with social distancing measures. Guests are encouraged to reserve cabanas, daybeds and even live table games for their party so that they can curate their own unique boutique experience.

The resort collaborated with health experts to establish several practices to minimize risk for guests and team members. For the latest update on the SAHARA Cares program, an updated list of resort venues and hours or to make a reservation, visit saharalasvegas.com.

About SAHARA Las Vegas

SAHARA Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,615 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers – including the AAA® Four Diamond Alexandria Tower, more than 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, two rooftop pools and a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The inviting casino occupies 60,000 square feet and features approximately 600 of the latest slot and video poker machines, 50 classic table games, Infinity – a premium gaming lounge, The Poker Room at SAHARA Las Vegas and a sports book operated by global gaming leader, William Hill. An impressive selection of culinary and cocktail offerings include Bazaar Meat by José Andrés™, named “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider; CASBAR Lounge; Bella Bistro; Uno Más; Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen; Prendi; The Tangier; and more. Additionally, SAHARA Las Vegas is home to MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas presented by Channing Tatum. SAHARA Las Vegas players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between SAHARA and its sister property Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno, that gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. SAHARA Las Vegas is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit saharalasvegas.com and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The New Irish Whiskey Disruptor: Introducing The Busker

November 15, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Busker Irish Whiskey is proud to announce the U.S. launch of their innovative line of Irish Whiskeys, an adventurous and modern take on the category. While The Busker honors its Irish heritage, it encourages consumers to go beyond the limitations and lines of history with its four new Irish Whiskeys, including a Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Triple Cask Triple Smooth Blend. The Busker is perfect for urban wanderers, for those who are flavor-curious, eager for inspiration and a quality Irish whiskey like no other. It sides with innovation way beyond its production process; it reimagines a new generation of American whiskey drinkers.

Carefully crafting an independent path to an authentic and high-quality Irish whiskey, The Busker balances tradition with innovative and modern techniques. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process including bourbon casks, sherry casks, and marsala casks. A major point of differentiation for The Busker takes place during the aging process where the blend, Triple Cask Triple Smooth, and Single Grain expressions mature in rare hand selected Sicilian Marsala wine casks from Cantine Florio (1833), one of the oldest wineries of the south of Italy.

“We take the rich history and heritage of Irish distillation and combine it with innovation and creativity at our state-of-the-art Royal Oak Distillery,” says Woody Kane, Royal Oak Distillery Ambassador. “Not only is The Busker offering a beautiful range of whiskeys with fantastic quality that we stand behind, we are adding a product unlike anything else to the marketplace. The Busker is a great whiskey to drink with friends while we come together and share our stories.”

The Busker includes all four types of Irish whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Blend), all produced under one roof at the world-class Royal Oak Distillery. The Distillery is proudly located on an 18th century estate in the Ancient East region in County Carlow:

The Busker Blend – Triple Cask Triple Smooth combines the Single Grain with a high percentage of the Single Malt and Single Pot whiskeys. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new meaning of smoothness to Irish Whiskey. The Busker Single Collection is represented by the three traditional Irish Whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt). Each whiskey boasts an unmistakable taste profile, with nuances ranging from vanilla and oak, to rich spicy notes.

Looking to challenge the historically traditional muted and dark tones of the Irish Whiskey category, The Busker leverages the power of its bright and bold packaging to inject modernity and disrupt old world expressions. User-friendly and easy to hold, the bottle’s packaging showcases a simple, sleek screen print design. With large fonts and pops of color, the aesthetically ripped label elicits a boldness and ruggedness intriguing to all whiskey drinkers.

To enjoy the full Irish Whiskey experience, The Busker Blend – Triple Cask Triple Smooth’s suggested retail price is $24.99 and the Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still suggested retail prices are $29.99. The Busker is available nationwide and online. Ask your closest retailer and visit our website http://www.TheBusker.com.

About The Busker

The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery, in County Carlow, Ireland, located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. It is the only distillery in Ireland which offers all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt & Single Pot Still, which make The Busker Single Collection. The Busker portfolio also includes The Busker Blend which is a beautiful blend of The Single Collection. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks and Marsala casks.

The Busker, a Contemporary, Adventurous and Bold Irish Whiskey Launches in the U.S. Market

September 3, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Busker is proud to announce the launch of their “new to world” innovative Irish Whiskey in the U.S. market. The Busker is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. Disrupting the Irish Whiskey landscape, The Busker is a revamped and adventurous look into the category.

Photo from westmeathwhiskeyworld website.

The Busker includes all four types of Irish whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Blend). The Busker Blend – Triple Cask Triple Smooth – combines the Single Grain with a high percentage of the Single Malt and Single Pot whiskeys. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new meaning of smoothness in the Irish Whiskey. The Busker Single Collection, represented by the three traditional Irish Whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt), is produced under one roof at the world-class Royal Oak Distillery. The Distillery is proudly located on an 18th century estate in the Ancient East region at County Carlow. Each whiskey boasts an unmistakable taste profile, with nuances ranging from vanilla and oak, to rich spicy notes.

User-friendly and easy to hold, the bottles packaging showcases a simple, sleek screen print design. The aesthetically ripped label elicits a boldness and ruggedness intriguing to all whiskey drinkers.

“We aim to disrupt the Irish Whiskey category by attracting new and authenticity-seeking consumers to the brand”, says Ray Stoughton, Executive Vice President of Disaronno International LLC, The Busker’s parent company. “While we honor the rich Irish heritage and whiskey-making traditions to produce superb liquid, we go beyond the limitations and lines of history to create our own story. The American consumers are thirsty for something that’s exciting and innovative, and The Busker delivers just that.”

A major point of differentiation for The Busker takes place during the aging process where the blend Triple Cask Triple Smooth and Single Grain expressions mature in authentic, Cantine Florio (1833) Sicilian Marsala wine casks.

The Busker sides with innovation way beyond its production process; it reimagines a new generation of American whiskey drinkers. The Busker blend suggested retail price is $24.99 and for Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still is $29.99 to enjoy the full Irish Whiskey experience. The Busker will be available nationwide.

About The Busker
The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. The Busker collection includes all four types of Irish whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and Blend). The Busker is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery, in County Carlow Ireland, located on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. The Royal Oak Distillery is the only distillery in Ireland which offers to a unique Brand all three classic Irish styles of whiskey – Single Grain, Single Malt & Single Pot Still. The Busker uses different casks during the maturation process of their whiskeys including Bourbon casks, Sherry casks, and Marsala casks.

Vintage Eve Circa Nov 2017: Tasting the Double Gold San Francisco Competitions at République

September 1, 2020 by evebushman

At the end of October I had a chance to taste a selection of Double Gold winners from the 2016 and 2017 San Francisco International Wine Competition and the 2016 and 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The San Francisco Competitions 2017 Double Gold Tour gives wine and spirits professionals a unique opportunity to taste the Competitions’ top winners and to discover the next trending tastes, styles, and varietals we’ll be seeing in 2018.

At the LA stop on this year’s multi-city tour, the San Francisco Competitions are proud to also offer a seated seminar showcasing Double Gold winning wines and spirits. Join Executive Director Anthony Dias Blue as he gives you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of the SF Competitions and walks you through the complexities of tasting wines and spirits like a competition judge.

Wine and Spirits…That I Took the Time to Taste and Loved (I did skip those I’ve already tasted too.)

Cakebread Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Reserve Family Vineyards, Carneros, Napa Valley; Goodmills Family Winery 2013 Teroldego, Lodi; 1849 Wine Company 2014 Declaration Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; DeLille Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Four Flags Red Mountain; J. Lohr Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature and Premium Bordeaux Blend Cuvee St. E, both Paso Robles; Ordaz Family Wines 2014 Zinfandel, Montecillo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley; IPPIN Junmai Sake, Tamasakee, Shiga Japan and Junmai Daiginjo Sake, Yamada Nishiki, both from Hyogo, Japan.

Mission Vodka, Arizona; Frey Ranch Gin, Nevada; Belle of Dayton Gin, Dayton Ohio; New Holland Brewing Knickerbocker Gin, Michigan; Vanagandr London Dry Gin, A Coruna-Galicia, Spain; Conniption Navy Strength Gin, North Carolina; Stonecutter Spirits Single Barrel Gin, Vermont; Tattersall Distilling Barreled Gin, Minnesota; Springfield Manor Lavender Gin, Maryland; Mad March Hare Small Batch Poitin, Ireland; Hyde 10 Year Old Pure Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Ireland; Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey, Oregon; Whiskey Del Bar Classic Cask Strength Single Malt, Arizona; from Paul John: Bold Indian Single Malt, Edited Indian Single Malt and the Peated Select Cask Indian Single Malt all from Goa, India; Starward Single Malt Wine Cask Whisky, Melbourne, Australia; Kings County Distillery Peated Bourbon, New York; J Henry and Sons 5 Year old Bellefontaine and Cask Strength Patton Road, both reserve straight bourbons from Wisconsin; One Eight Distilling United Whiskey No. 6, Washington D.C.; two Whistle Pig: the Old World Cask Finish Rye Whiskey and the 15 Year Old Rye Whiskey, both from Vermont; Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, Baltimore.

Behind the Scenes with Anthony Dias Blue

Granted, I have judged a couple of times, as I’m sure some of the students in Blue’s class have done, but it’s good to be reminded just how serious the judging is.

When the competition began they had a scant 300 entries, now they are up to 2,400.

There are 60 judges in the process, and they are made up of experts (reviewers, writers, restauranteurs, somms, etc.) allowing each group to have a good representation in which to judge merits.

There are 28 countries from the current competitions.

While they usually receive more wine to review, there are still 80 – 100 spirits.

Judging is done blind, the bottles are not seen, and they don’t know the price or the area they came from – only the varietal is known.

As price is sometime a factor to the general public, and more expensive is perceived as more valuable, the price points of the wine and spirits are not revealed.

After the Double Gold winners are awarded, then all of the judges get to taste all of the Double Golds to determine the sweepstake’s winner.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Universal Whisky Experience Nth 2020 and The NFL Draft 2020: A Weekend in Las Vegas Unlike Any Other

March 2, 2020 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) – Universal Whisky Experience – Each and every year, these two celebrations of the pinnacles of the sporting world and the luxury spirits industry outdo themselves when it comes to giving fans the best possible experience, and 2020 is no exception. As the plans and lineups for this pair of events start to trickle out to the public, and excitement and anticipation grows by the day, it’s time to begin preparing for the trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas, where not one but two remarkable celebrations descend on a groundbreaking April weekend.

The NFL Draft: an Unmissable Sporting Showcase

There can’t be a single football fan in the whole country who isn’t thrilled by the upcoming NFL Draft 2020, to be held in true Vegas style at a red carpet event outside the Bellagio fountains. With a whole series of free public showcases, celebrations, concerts, and fireworks spectacles planned, it’s guaranteed to be the sporting moment of the year, and one no self-respecting NFL fanatic should miss.

Visitors can expect the full Las Vegas showcase at the NFL Draft 2020, where fans and players will come together to celebrate the 85th annual event on the buzzing iconic strip. Over the years, the NFL Draft has exploded in scale and popularity, becoming one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. This year’s location has a special significance; The Raiders are preparing to embark on their first season in the city’s glittering Allegiant Stadium, and they are promising a weekend filled to the brim with headlining concerts, chances to get up close and personal with world-beating players, and no shortage of football-themed parties and happenings.

Nth 2020: The Whisky Event of the Year

While The Las Vegas Strip hums with NFL Draft excitement on the weekend of the 23-25 April 2020, over at the glamorous Wynn Hotel, there’s just as much to celebrate for those who love luxury spirits, fine wine and Champagne, and rare whiskies. Nth 2020 is the ultimate encounter with the uppermost echalons of the world of fine spirits, and promises – on its 10th anniversary year – to be bigger, more spectacular, and more unforgettable than any that has come before.

From exclusive super pours, which will showcase the creme de la creme of the world’s most luxurious whisky distilleries and unveil some legendary bottles to ticket holders, to intimate talks and workshops held by superstars of the spirits industry, Nth 2020 is the place to be for those who can’t get enough of the finer things in life. With a multitude of tastings, masterclasses, wine flights, and dinner receptions on offer (and that’s just the beginning…), Nth 2020 has become the most talked about whisky event of the year, and not without good reason. For those looking to take their trip to Las Vegas to unimaginable heights of luxury, indulgence, and excitement, combining a ticket to Nth 2020 with the NFL Draft on the Strip really is about as good as it gets.

Experience High Roller Extravagance with Nth 2020

Seeking the ultimate whisky encounter, and the chance to taste some of the world’s most exclusive and legendary drams? The High Roller packages at Nth 2020, limited to just a handful of tickets and promising to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, will expand your horizons of luxury to a whole new level.

The High Roller Experience at Nth 2020 goes above and beyond any which have come before, and perfectly does justice to the 10 year anniversary of the world’s most exciting whisky expo. Not only will ticket holders have access to the glamorous High Roller Lounge at the beautiful Wynn Hotel Las Vegas, as well as a seat at the High Roller dinner reception, they’ll also be invited to partake in:

● High Roller Super Pours
● A range of fascinating masterclasses
● Exclusive tastings
● 1 on 1 meetings with whisky and spirits ambassadors
● The High Roller raffle draw

…and much, much more besides. Make no mistake, Nth 2020 is set to be the biggest, best, most awe-inspiring immersive luxury spirits experience Las Vegas has ever seen, and it’s one not to be missed.

Sports, Spirits, and Spectacle in Las Vegas 2020

If Las Vegas is known for one thing, it’s that this is a city which never ceases to go above and beyond when it comes to offering visitors unforgettable and unique experiences. The fact that both the NFL Draft 2020 and the Nth 2020 10 year anniversary celebration are happening on the same weekend, makes a trip to this remarkable city an absolute must for sports and whisky fans alike this year. Don’t leave it to chance – book your tickets today!

Sampling Lambay Irish Whiskey

May 24, 2019 by evebushman

From the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburg, Scotland I had learned, “There was a moment, a hesitation, when those single malt fans, like myself, paused and thought, heck that master distiller is doing an incredible job. We need to give blends more credit! Single malt Scotch whisky wasn’t as popular as Irish whiskey until the master distillers created blends.”

This “a ha” moment, in learning that Irish whiskey was by far more popular than Scottish whisky gave me great pause. In my own tastings of whisky from both areas I found Irish whiskey slightly sweeter than the Scottish counterpart, but then again I haven’t had as many Irish whiskeys compared to the number of Scotch whiskeys I’ve tried.

Recently I was offered two from Lambay Whiskey to sample. (Note: if the whiskey is made anywhere other that Scotland they must use, for the time being, the spelling with the e.) These are my tasting notes on two single dram samples I was sent, both finished in Cognac casks, sampled with my Neat whisky glass:

Lambay Whiskey

Small batch blend

Triple Distilled, blend of bourbon cask whisky with a Cognac cask finish.

40% ABV

Color: Pale hay.

Aroma: hazelnut, popcorn kernel, sweet whipped cream, smoke, orange zest, butter, no burn.

Flavor: slight burn on the palate but not enough to need water, walnut, hazelnut, butter, dried apricot, and with a spicy long finish. Nicely balanced. Would enjoy this with smoked oysters or vanilla ice cream, depending on my mood.

Lambay Whiskey

Single Malt

Triple Distilled, blended with Lambay Island Trinity Well water and finished in a Cognac cask.

40% ABV

Color: Deep honeyed, gold.

Aroma: more fruit on the nose than the blend with banana, apricot, orange and pear, followed by a little tropical fruit like kiwi, jasmine – or some other floral component – milk, toasted almonds and oak.

Flavor: sweeter than the blend, spicier too, darker and deeper with flavors of toasted oak, not the fruit I found on the nose with the exception of banana, dried leaves, cigarette on the finish. I felt about this whisky like the way I’ve felt about some wines: I get a real big kick when the nose is so different from the flavor. Just makes me want to spend more time savoring it. Would enjoy with cheese and charcuterie and something with dark chocolate for dessert.

From Facebook

Two distinguished families, a new kind of Irish whiskey, and the island that inspired it all.

Once upon a most unusual island, two entrepreneurial spirits from two very old families decided to form a unique partnership. Together, they’d make a whiskey. But not just any whiskey – their triple distilled Irish whiskey would be one of dynasty and devilment, of rarity and refinement.

Their idea was to craft an innovative Irish whiskey inspired by the island of Lambay, ancestral home of the Baring family, and finished with the techniques and expertise of Maison Camus, ancestral home of Cyril Camus.

Lambay Island is a peculiar paradise, a mere three miles off the coast of Dublin. Lambay, a veritable odyssey of oddities, is also home to a herd of grazing cattle, an improbability of puffins and an even more improbable troupe of red-necked wallabies.

We’ve combined the centuries-old distilling expertise of Irish whiskey making with the century-old blending and maturing expertise of Maison Camus to create this unique and unusual range of whiskeys.

https://www.lambaywhiskey.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

HOUSE OF CAMUS AND THE BARING FAMILY BRING THE BEST OF FRANCE AND IRELAND TOGETHER WITH LAMBAY IRISH WHISKEY

March 16, 2019 by evebushman

New York, NY – Lambay Whiskey is challenging consumers to ’Lambay’ their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations wherever they are by creating their own Lambay Legend! The brand holds many tales of dynasty and is looking to convey its history as well as a bit of mystery and unconventional fun to its clients. Throughout the month of March, the virtual contest encourages imbibers to use their actual and virtual photo props as well as their creativity to snap & share their best picture to Lambay Whiskey via Instagram using hashtags #LambayLegends and #LambayStPatricksDay. The contest will run across the US in NY, NJ, CT, GA, FL, CA, IL and MA targeting more than 100 bars that carry the iconic brand. The lucky winner will be announced in early April and will win round trip flights for two to Dublin, including accommodations for five nights and a visit to Lambay’s unique private island, to taste the spirit of Lambay and carve their name into their Legends Wall of Fame.

Lambay Whiskey is crafted with Trinity Well water from Lambay Island and finished in French oak cognac casks carried across the sea from the world-renowned cellars of Camus, France. This partnership was born from an intriguing collaboration between two families, Camus, the world’s leading family-owned cognac producer and the Baring family’s Revelstoke Trust. The new brand, soaked in history and extensive roots, was launched in 2018.

Both families share a history of rarity and refinement, a passion for nature, innovation, entrepreneurship and appreciation for the finer things in life. Their unique, triple distilled Irish whiskey has been crafted and inspired by the Island of Lambay, home of Alexander Baring, and finished with the techniques and expertise of Maison Camus, ancestral home of Cyril. The entrepreneurial Cyril Camus is part of the fifth generation of Maison Camus, an illustrious French family famous all over the world for their incomparable Cognac. Bonded by a love of nature and the finer things in life, Cyril and Alexander make the perfect partners in whiskey production.

Lambay Island is a unique, hidden paradise just three miles off the coast of Dublin, Ireland. The island is a veritable odyssey of oddities as it is also home to a herd of grazing cattle, a playground for puffins, a sanctuary for seabirds and the adopted home of a troupe of red-necked wallabies.

The Lambay Small Batch Blend is triple distilled and crafted with notes of malt, flora, cracked almonds and pepper. This blended whiskey is full bodied and the finish has a lingering spiciness attributed to a Cognac cask finish. A perfect Irish whiskey for a cocktail, or on its own on the rocks, Lambay Small Batch has characteristics as unique as the island itself.

Lambay Single Malt is a triple distilled, un-peated, craft malt whiskey. Its unique flavor can be attributed to first fill bourbon barrels that impart a subtle sweetness and floral note. This deliciously smooth whiskey is wholly finished in select Cognac casks <https://www.lambaywhiskey.com/our-story/the-crafting-of-lambay-irish-whiskey/>that have been exposed to the sea air on Lambay Island. These casks have been shipped from Maison Camus <https://www.lambaywhiskey.com/our-story/maison-camus/> to the shores of Lambay. Here, the Single Malt casks rest, exposed to notes of iodine, seaweed and salt via the maritime winds and sea spray. By allowing these subtle elements to influence the casks, each batch brings a new taste profile to the Single Malt, producing a well-balanced finish with lingering notes of green fruits and the taste of coconut, malt and dried berries.

Both whiskeys capture the perfection and nuances of the natural paradise that is Lambay Island. Since April 2018, Lambay Whiskey has won a total of 14 medals in recognition of its premium quality.

This Saint Patrick’s Day, Lambay Whiskey drinkers will be competing to release their inner Irish flare!

2017 Whiskies Of The World® Award Winners

October 2, 2017 by evebushman

Austin, Texas (PRWEB) – Whiskies of the World is delighted to announce the winners of the 2017 Whiskies of the World Awards. Whiskies of the World is known for its industry standard tasting events in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, San Francisco and San Jose. The Whisky Awards is an additional feature that provides brands marketing materials to promote their products. As only 23% of entrants receive gold medals, the results of these awards are extremely meaningful. Additionally, all judges’ notes are made available to each entrant as important data to develop the brand and determine best marketing strategy.

Whiskies are judged on a 100-point basis with a concentration on appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouthfeel and finish. Blind judging was performed by a panel of eighteen Texas tastemakers who are all influential figures in the state’s beverage industry. The panel included: David “Bart” Bartlett – Whisky Guru at Beverage World; Jeff Boley – Beverage Manager Townsend; Jeramy Campbell – Assistant Manager Seven Grand Whisky Bar; Carly Dunavant – Bartender; Aisling Gammill – Lead Bartender Whisler’s; Dennis Gobis – Co-Owner The Roosevelt Room and Eleanor; Mike Groener – CEO Genius Liquids; Jennifer Keyser – Beverage Director Holy Roller; Justin Lavenue – Co-owner The Roosevelt Room and Eleanor; Lana Lindsley – Bulleit Whiskey Ambassador; David Maguire – Co-owner The Austin Shaker; John McEntire – Spirits Consultant Twin Liquors; Florian Minier – Bartender Small Victory; Adrian Montanez – Manager Twin Liquors; Purav Patel – Owner Village Liquors; Mike Raymond – Owner Reserve 101; Ken Seeber – Spirits Consultant Twin Liquors; Kevin Stein – Regional Manager Twin Liquors

“The judges are extremely talented with sensitive palates and work hard to evaluate each product,” explains Douglas Smith, Whiskies of the World Event Director. “The evaluation of whiskies is taken very seriously. Our judges not only taste and make notes, but also discuss and consider many angles. We are proud that our awards reflect the experience and integrity of our excellent judging panel.”

Full results are listed on our website: Awards

The 2017 Best in Show Winner:
Gold: Glendronach 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

The 2017 Best in Class Winners:
American Single Malt: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey “American Oak”
Bourbon less than 2 years: Widow Jane Baby Jane Bourbon
Bourbon 2-5 years: Old Forester 1920
Bourbon greater than 5 years: Widow Jane 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon NAS: Old Forester Statesman
Canadian: Stalk & Barrel Red Blend
Corn greater than 2 years: Ironroot Hubris Corn Whiskey
Corn less than 2 years: Austonian Whiskey
Flavored Whiskey: R.M. Rose Fire On The Mountain Cinnamon Whiskey
Irish: Knockmore Irish Whiskey
Malt Unpeated: Glencadam 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
Malt Unpeated Cask Finish: Glendronach 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
Malt Peated: Amrut Fusion
Malt Peated Finished: Five Lions Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Peatside
Rye greater than 2 years: Old Potrero 18th Century Style Whiskey
Rye NAS: Rock Town Arkansas Rye Whiskey
Whiskey: Jim Beam Little Book “The Easy”

2017 Gold Recipients:
American Single Malt < 2 Years: Balcones ‘1′ Texas Single Malt
American Single Malt: Balcones Texas Single Malt Single Barrel
Bourbon 2-5 years:
Amador ‘Ten Barrels’
A.D. Laws Bottled In Bond 4 Grain Straight Bourbon
Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon
Bourbon greater than 5 years: Amador Double Barrel
Irish: The Dubliner 10 year Old
Malt Peated: Amrut Cask Strength Peated
Malt Peated Finished: Amrut Kadhambam
Malt Unpeated Cask Finish: Chapter 7 19 Year Old Highland Blended Malt
Rye less than 2 Years: Lazy Guy 5th Article 1887 Rye Whiskey
Whiskey: Balcones Brimstone

2017 Silver Outstanding Recipients:
American Single Malt: Do Good Cherrywood Smoked Whisky
Bourbon less than 2 years: Giant Texas Bourbon 91 Proof
Bourbon 2-5 years:
West Wind Bourbon
Do Good California Bourbon
Bourbon greater than 5 years: Devils River Bourbon
Bourbon NAS: Rock Town Single Barrel Bourbon
Corn greater than 2 years:
Balcones True Blue 100
A.D. Laws Bottled In Bond Straight Corn Whiskey
Malt Peated:
English Whisky Peated Single Malt
Glenora Ghleann Dubh
Malt Peated Finished:
Kilchoman Sanaig
Malt Unpeated Cask Finish:
Glengoyne 18 Year Old
Glengoyne 21 Year Old
Glendronach 12 Year Old
Malt Unpeated:
Glencadam 10 Year Old
Tipperary Distillery: Watershed
Rye less than 2 Years: Alley 6 Rye Whiskey
Rye greater than 2 years:
A.D Laws BIB Secale Straight Rye Whiskey
James E Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey
James E Pepper 1776 SRW -Sherry Cask Finish
Unaged: Ole Smoky Blue Flame Moonshine

2017 Silver Recipients:
American Single Malt: Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey
American Single Malt less than 2 Years: Alley 6 Single Malt Whiskey
Bourbon less than 2 years:
Merica Bourbon Whiskey
Ironroot Harbinger Bourbon
Lazy Guy Side Track Bourbon
Giant Texas Bourbon
Bourbon 2-5 years:
Do Good Nighthawk Bourbon
A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon
Breckenridge Sherry Cask Bourbon
R.M. Rose Single Barrel Brand
Bourbon greater than 5 years:
Ben Milam Single Barrel Bourbon
JR Ewing Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon NAS:
Rock Town Arkansas Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Old Forester Classic 86 Proof
Canadian:
Stalk & Barrel Blue Blend
WYO Rodeo Whisky
Corn less than 2 years:
Balcones Baby Blue
Lazy Guy Threesome Whiskey
Irish:
The Dubliner Irish Whiskey
Egan’s Vintage Grain
Malt Unpeated Cask Finish:
Glengoyne 15 Year Old
Malt Unpeated:
Glencadam 13 Year Old
Rice:
Ohishi Sherry Cask
Rye greater than 2 years:
Old Potrero Special Cask Finish
Ben Milam Small Batch Rye Whiskey
Henry Clay Straight Rye Whiskey
James E Pepper 1776 Straight Rye Barrel Proof
Rye NAS:
Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey
Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey
Rock Town Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Unaged: Lazy Guy Kennesaw Lightning
Corn greater than 2 years: Ironroot Icarus Corn Whiskey
Whiskey:
Alamo Craft Whiskey
Title 21 Whiskey
9 Banded Whiskey

The 2017 Bronze Recipients:
Bourbon less than 2 Years: Alamo Alamo Bourbon
Flavored: Do Good Hopped Flavored Whisky
Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Whiskey

Category Clarification:
Irish: Traditional Irish style which is triple distilled and a blend of Malt and grain whiskies. Malt whiskies from Ireland will not be in this category.
Cask Finished: Either matured in a non-bourbon cask, or finished in a non-bourbon cask or blended with a non-bourbon cask.
Join us for the upcoming Whiskies of the World Expos for a sixth time in Austin on Saturday, September 16th, in Houston on Thursday, September 14th and returning to Atlanta for a fifth time on Saturday, November 4th. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com. Follow Whiskies of the World on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Whiskies of the World LLC: Whiskies of the World LLC, an IWSC Group North America event, began in San Francisco, CA in 1998. Under the direction of whisky enthusiast and event director, Douglas Smith, the event has expanded into Texas and Georgia. The IWSC Group is a global leader of alcoholic beverage events, including the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition.

How Was Cocktails on the Roof 2017?

September 15, 2017 by evebushman

Whew! What a freaking blast we had this time around. I’m still exhausted, overwhelmed and yet can’t wait for the fourth event in 2018. Cutting to the chase, I’m talking about Cocktails on the Roof that benefits the WiSH Education Foundation, which, in turn, benefits all of the students in the Hart District.

Eve Bushman Consulting created the out-of-the-box event to showcase the bar programs of our local restaurants and bring in single spirit vendors. We added a rooftop venue, a DJ with a large dance area, private and public lounges, tons of food and mini martini glasses for sampling. NO ONE has tried to duplicate this event. We own it! And special thanks go to my co-hosts Exec. Dir. Amy Daniels – for ALL of the legwork – and Marlee Lauffer for spreading the word. Committee members that continue this out-of-the-box thinking every year include WiSH Board President Richard Cohn, WiSH VP Lynne Secrest along with Judy Penman, Ed Masterson, Dawn Begley, Mitch Russell and Rochelle Gallimore.

WiSH Education Foundation’s Exec. Dir. Amy Daniels and Me on the ROOF

One more thing we do, in case that’s not enough, we ask our guests to vote on their favorite cocktails of the night. We settle on the top three and this year’s winners are #1. Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. #2 Marstons Valencia and #3 Deep Eddy Vodka.

This year, besides having a larger event space, almost doubling our footprint, we had some new vendors joining our existing usual suspects. (No time to read? Watch the fun in this 3-minute slideshow.)

NEWS FROM THE WISH EDUCATION FOUNDATION: In a letter to our vendors Wish Exec. Dire. Amy Daniels wrote, “On behalf of Eve Bushman, Marlee Lauffer and the Board of Directors of the WiSH Education Foundation, I want to thank you for your generosity with your time and product to help make this year’s Cocktails on the Roof the best one yet! The response was incredible on social media and we do hope you had an amazing time on THE ROOF!

Because of you, WiSH raised over $45,000 in just three hours, allowing us to make a significant difference for school programs this year. For this academic year, our funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on the ARTS, and we appreciate your involvement in helping us reach for higher goals. In fact, we raised over $11,000 more this year than last – and we hope to do the same again next year, with your help.”

Our Vendors

Deep Eddy Vodka, LA Scotch Club, JFC International soju-based cocktails, Speakeasy Bakery, Honu Coffee with Jameson Irish Whisky Coffee, solita Tacos and Margaritas, Sisley Italian Kitchen, Newhall Refinery, NEW: Bonefish Grill, NEW: An Indian Affair, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Salt Creek Grille, Oaks Grill at TPC, NEW: Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company with a Coffee Martini, NEW: Vines Restaurant and Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, NEW: Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Lazy Dog, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Marston’s, The Distillery at Opolo, Vina Sympatica sparkling wine and NEW: Scoob’s Original Frozen premium cookies.

Just Some of the 2017 Raves

Michael – Such a great evening for a wonderful cause, made better by meeting up with old friends!

Leslie – Had a blast last night at Cocktails on the Roof benefiting the Wish Education Foundation with my guy and gals.

Nicole – Amy Daniels, Successful, fun event! Congrats!

Karen – Eve Hammond Bushman! You have done it again! Better than ever.

Lisa – Had a blast at Cocktails on the Roof with all (my) fabulous friends! #cotr17

Steve – After a lousy day, good food and fine spirits help a lot…especially when it is for a great cause. Thank you Eve Bushman.

Dana – Best time at Cocktails on the Roof in Santa Clarita fundraiser for the Wish Foundation.

Patti – Tons of fun at Cocktails on the Roof 2017! Great job Amy Daniels and Eve Bushman! A job well done!

Vicki – Having a blast for a wonderful organization.

Heather – Date nights are great nights…eat, drink, and dance for a great cause! Fun event Eve!

Pam –Had a great time at Cocktails on the Roof! Congrats Amy Daniels, Eve Bushman and Marlee Lauffer for another outstanding event benefiting the Wish Education Foundation!

Karen – This year’s event was my first event. The event was fantastic!

Cheryl – There were so many wonderful people there…

Lauren – A fun evening indeed!

Tiffany – Had so much fun. Was great seeing everyone.

Nick – We had an amazing time at Cocktails on the Roof 2017 last night benefiting WISH Education Foundation!

Robin – It was really fun, and the food was amazing!

Terry (We had) a blast with the Mirror Booth…!

Hilary – Next year I’m SOOOOOOO going.

Steve S. – Another Cocktails on the Roof in the bag! So much fun and generous people!

Sponsors

Patrice Rifkind with Audiology Associates, Nick Rose Insurance Agency, Inc., Littler Mendelson, Julie M. Sturgeon CPA, Peterson Printing, Chiquita Canyon, Steven B. Chegwin CPA, the Magazine of Santa Clarita, SCV elite Magazine, Randy Plaice and Associates, Jeff and Melanie Meyer with Thrivent Financial, Westfield Valencia, EveBushmanConsulting.com, Eve’s Wine 101, Lundgren Mgt., Enchanted Kids, Oasis Associates, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Sol Print Solutions, Mitchpickswine/Mitch and Leslie Russell, SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Andy Gump, Burrtec, California Credit Company, Brightview Tree Company, The Signal, All Business Matters, The Watters Group, KHTS and SCVTV. Special thanks to Genesis Moss, Print & Web Design (www.genesismoss.com), for creating our brand new dedicated website, www.cocktailsontheroofscv.org.

Volunteers to Thank

Noah Daniels, Amy Daniels, Doug Penman, Carolyn Lodes, Diane McGrory, Mary Bradway, Leonard Leto, Robin Wimsatt, Ellen Hawthorne, Lee Lodes, Vicki White, Barbara Meyer, Adele MacPherson, Vicki Tungate, Cheryl Gray, Judy Penman, Nicole Stinson, Sue Hayward, Danise Davis, Terry Gallimore, JoAnn Manzo, Al Hayward, Verna Velasquez, Marissa Velasquez, Jennifer Goins, Sue Cacic, Debbie Walker, Dave Cacic, Justin Neely + two, Pat Willett, Niki Feast Williams, John Rogers and Holly Bellamy.